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"Mike Parker is a harpist and musicologist who initially studied instrument building at the London College of Furniture, building and restoring 'early' and folk harps. His repertoire covers many styles of music from 'early' and folk styles through baroque and classical and into the world of 'light music' and pop.

He is the only Englishman to have been awarded Olamh Sui (Doctorate) by the Institute of Traditional Celtic Music, which was awarded for his work relating to the historical usage of the harp in the Celtic nations. He researches all aspects of the historical harp and modern folk music, resulting in a collection of 23 harps (with 2 more under construction) to enable him to use the most appropriate instrument and technique for each type of music.

Mike Parker completed an MMus in Performance & Related Studies in 2003 on the single action harp, at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

A specialist on the development technique and repertoire of the single action harp (1770-1825) and he has written a book, 'Child of pure harmony' on this subject. The solo recording 'A twist of the rope' [JNL CD1] is available in larger UK music stores and features Celtic music from the last 900 years played on 5 harps. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)